6 Proven Benefits of Country Living

Out in the country, life moves a little bit slower. I’ve lived in big cities, next to the ocean, and in city-adjacent suburbs, but it wasn’t until I moved out to the country—to a small farm town in Illinois—that I finally felt like I could really breathe. And as it turns out, I’m not the only one. The benefits of country living have been pretty well researched. Science shows that living in the country is beneficial for both your physical and your mental health. And while city and suburb living certainly have plenty of their own benefits, there’s something about country life that just does the body good.

Rural areas account for 97% of U.S. land but house just 19.3% of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. That’s a lot of room to spread out for those who appreciate the quiet, privacy, and open sky of the country. Whether you’re trying to decide between city life vs. country life or just need some reminders about why living in the country is a great choice, read on for six of the biggest benefits inherent in rural living.

Cleaner air

Less crime

Better psychological health

It’s cheaper

Exposure to nature

Easy access to organic food

The takeaway

There are benefits to country living that you won’t find anywhere else, and the diversity of country land means that if you want something specific in addition to your rural environment—say, nearby water or mountain views—you can get that too. There are always going to be some trade-offs (for me, it’s having to drive two hours just to meet my friends who still live downtown for dinner a couple of times a month), but if you can’t get enough of green meadows and big blue skies, the benefits of country living may just outweigh the negatives.

If you’re thinking about moving out to the country, consider the pros and cons and make an informed decision based on the way that you like to live your life. Even the most adamant city dwellers may find that they feel a certain sense of joy and freedom when they trade the crowded streets for the cornfields.